Westminster Foundation for Democracy (“WFD”) is the UK public body dedicated to supporting democracy around the world. Operating internationally, WFD works with parliaments, political parties, and civil society groups as well as on elections to help make political systems fairer, more inclusive and more accountable.

We are a problem-solving, practitioner-led organisation that offers: 

• Specialist analysis, research, and advice to inform policy makers on a range of democratic governance issues;
• High quality and impactful programmes that directly support the full spectrum of institutions in political systems to develop inclusive political processes, more accountable political systems, protection of rights and freedoms, and more pluralistic societies; and 
• International elections observation on behalf of the UK. 

Aim of this Request for Quotes

WFD is issuing this Request for Quotes (“RFQ”) to a range of potential suppliers of goods and/or services and would welcome a proposal or quote from you/your organisation.

Quote submission

All proposals or quotes should be submitted by 10th February 2025, 14:00PM (Maldives time) in writing and include: 

• The supplier’s name, status, company number, and registered office address 
• An overview of the supplier’s relevant experience, expertise, capability and capacity
• A description of the good(s) or service(s) to be provided and clear explanation as to how this meets the specification in this RFQ
• A transparent quotation of the charge for the good(s) or service(s), in currency of the supplier’s bank account, to include: a clear breakdown of all costs; any proposed discount applied for WFD as a not-for-profit organisation; and a separate identification of any VAT charges (and/or any other applicable tax, excise or other charges). 

The proposal or quote should be sent electronically and addressed to: Ahmed Nisbah at Ahmed.Nisbah@wfd.org and cc-ed to Aminath Saleena at Aminath.Saleena@wfd.org 

The same email addresses should be used for any questions related to this RFQ. 

WFD’s standard terms and conditions for tendering and key policies can be found WFD’s standard terms and conditions for tendering and key policies and WFD’s Code of Conduct.

Detailed Specification

Objective

The establishment of a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) aims to strengthen the fiscal oversight role of the People’s Majlis by providing independent, nonpartisan analysis of budgetary and economic matters. A well-functioning PBO will enhance parliamentary scrutiny of public finances, improve transparency in budgetary processes, and support evidence-based decision-making.

This programme will focus on assessing the legal, institutional, and operational requirements for establishing a PBO, drawing from international best practices while ensuring alignment with the Maldivian parliamentary system. It will provide technical support in developing a legislative and governance framework, defining the PBO’s mandate, and building institutional capacity to ensure its sustainability and effectiveness.

By establishing a PBO, the programme seeks to empower parliamentarians with objective fiscal analysis, strengthen accountability in public financial management, and contribute to more informed and effective policymaking in the Maldives.

Deliverables

The local legal expert will work closely with the international expert to support the establishment of a Parliamentary Budget Office (PBO) in the Maldives. The local expert will provide technical expertise, legal analysis, and contextual knowledge to ensure the proposed framework aligns with the Maldivian legislative and institutional environment. Specifically, the local expert is expected to:

1. Support the Development of the Organizational and Reporting Structure

• Assist the international expert in designing an effective organizational structure for the PBO, ensuring alignment with the People’s Majlis' existing institutional framework.

• Participate in consultations with the international expert with key parliamentary stakeholders, including committees, and secretariat staff, to assess needs and expectations for the PBO.

• Review relevant laws, regulations, and parliamentary procedures to ensure the proposed structure complies with legal and procedural requirements.

2. Provide Legal Analysis and Advisory Support

• Provide legal opinions to the international expert on key legal considerations affecting the PBO’s functioning, including constitutional provisions, financial laws, and parliamentary rules.

• Identify potential legal barriers and propose solutions to ensure the effective integration of the PBO into the People’s Majlis.

3. Draft Key Policy and Legislative Documents

• Draft proposed amendments to the Standing Orders of the People’s Majlis to institutionalize the PBO’s role within parliamentary processes.

• Assist in the preparation of any additional legal or policy documents required for approval by parliamentary authorities.

Timeline

The expected start date of the assignment is mid February ending in end of March.

Reporting

The local legal expert is expected to report to the WFD Maldives team after each deliverable and on a regular basis with the international expert as agreed upon.   

Working arrangements

The Expert will work remotely and closely with the WFD – Maldives Country Director Aryj Hussain.   

Payments

• The financial proposal for the assignment shall not exceed £4,000

• Full breakdown of time and cost estimates for the proposed solution in the currency of the local researcher’s preferred accounts payable account, including any daily rate to be applied. 

• Separate accounting of VAT and/or any other applicable tax, duty, or charge.  

• Detailing of any discount applied in view of WFD’s not-for-profit status.  

Minimum experience and expertise

• Legal Expert or Team Lead must have a master's degree in law or related field. 

• Prior experience in drafting legislation or regulation.

• Prior experience in developing organizational structures, mandate and/or governance frameworks is desirable. 

• Knowledge on parliamentary processes and financial oversight mechanisms is desirable